Sokoto State Government has confirmed that no fewer than six people died of suspected cholera disease on their way coming back from Lagos.
The state commissioner for health, Dr Muhammed Ali Inname, confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen, on Tuesday.
He disclosed that Sokoto State Ministry of Health received a report of the return of 6 dead bodies, all of whom are Indigenes of Sanyinna town in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State but are all residents of Ojota area of Lagos State on 5th September 2021.
He said the deceased until the unfortunate incidence earned their living in Lagos by scavenging the refuse dumpsites.
“All of them started having diarrhoea and vomiting before they eventually died.
“The remains of the deceased were brought into the state and were since buried according to Islamic provision. However, 5 more people accompanied the dead who also had symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting; they were all admitted to PHC Sanyinna and fortunately, 4 of them got better and were discharged home.
“The remaining person is responding to treatment and is having a very good chance of survival too. The incidence is suspected to be Cholera as Ojota is the epicentre of Cholera cases in Lagos State.
“The stool sample of the patients is taken for laboratory test do ascertain the exact organism causing the incident, the result turned out positive for cholera using a rapid test kit.”
He explained that while free drugs for treatment are supplied to the victims, prophylaxis was also provided to their contacts, and assured that the state ministry of health is monitoring the situation closely and is under control.
Inname, however, advised the general public that in such an event, the affected individuals or their relatives should inform the Ministry of Health or relevant health authorities for immediate actions.
He also advised that they should ensure personal and environmental hygiene including regular handwashing with soap and water, especially among scavengers.
“Avoid open defecation, wells should have platforms to prevent contamination from faces of surface water after rainfall.
“Water should be boiled before use especially in rural areas. Report to hospital or isolation camp in your area early when you observe any unusual symptoms or unusual condition,” he added.
While extending heartfelt condolences to the relations of the deceased and the affected people in the incident, he expressed the ministry appreciation to the state governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, for his support to the ministry of health.
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